Comments
Old Dude
on 09/29/2023 at 04:25 PM
Unfortunately, we cannot take back hateful words. May we learn to speak grace into the lives of those in our circle of influence.
Jerome
on 09/29/2023 at 03:29 PM
Easier said than done, speaking with love, tact, and diplomacy has worked for me. The book of James is filled with great wisdom in this area. When faced with a difficult conversation I reflect on James 1:19 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry". Have a blessed day, brothers.
Ron Childs
on 09/29/2023 at 03:28 PM
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21). This doesn’t mean that we can say died and a person dies. Life is relationship with God and others and death is separation. The words we use can cause separation of relationships with others and even ourselves through negative self talk A kind and gracious word can accomplish much. Please brothers use the tremendous power of your tongue wisely and speak life and hope to those you meet today. God’s blessings to all
Boyce Moses
on 09/29/2023 at 02:22 PM
So many things I’m thinking, but it all boils down to be kind always. Love you Jesus! 🤎💙💚💛
Ashley Jarvis
on 09/29/2023 at 02:08 PM
The most effective way I’ve experienced speaking graciously to others, is when I have empathy from having been in their shoes, having done what they’ve done, or said what they’ve said. That gives me the ability to say “me too”, and then in an accepting and embracing way say, “what now?”. I can’t meet someone where they are in their journey if I haven’t faced and worked through that area in my own journey. It isn’t a place I’m willing to step into and share, if it still holds power over me, if I haven’t surrendered it over to God and another person. In these instances, I’m more likely to shame the other person, point a finger at them, look down at them in an effort to divert attention to my own short comings. This should be a sign, that I have work to do in this area, and get busy cleaning my own house. The cleaner our house becomes, the more open we can be to let others in, and the more rooms we can invite others to, so that we can help them clean their own. Thank you God, for always extending grace and mercy, no matter how messy our house is/was, amen 🙏🏻
Brandon Pembleton
on 09/29/2023 at 02:02 PM
This can be used in all sorts of areas. Having a bad moment say to yourself you’re glad it is happening and why it is actually a good thing. I had an experiment at work run awry on Monday. It was nearly dead in the water before we began. It could have been a moment of oh me why did this have to happen today. But instead I said God I am glad you sent me on this mission for I am well suited to get pivot quickly and get this on track and I did. It felt great and always feels great when the script is flipped to that. I’m glad this is happening because it is going to teach me prune me grow me in Gods direction. In this way there is no dark days because you’ve always got the lantern with you. Granted it doesn’t light much more than the next step but that is all anyone needs to see to keep from stumbling. Faith gets us to our destinations that we can’t see by guiding us in each step. Sometimes it lights a nasty mud puddle that we are going to have to walk through and that’s ok because it’s God will. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty for our God will always make us clean and warm again. I love you God amen 🙏
T Toupin
on 09/29/2023 at 01:15 PM
One of my favorite analogies is the, “why did coffee spill from the coffee cup when bumped?” The answer is, “Because there was coffee in the cup. If there was tea in the cup, then tea would have spilled.” The point of the analogy is that what is inside you spills out when life bumps you. As Christians, we need to have His word and spirit within us so that He spills out when we’re pushed. God bless you all. Stay strong in our Lord.
Tommy Williamson
on 09/29/2023 at 12:55 PM
The tongue, the strongest muscle in most people’s body. Able to taste the bitterness thr bitterness of things that we eat along with the sweetness of things we eat. It is able to speak harsh words that can rip people apart or speak softly and kindly to build people up. Yet it is controlled by what is in the heart and mind of the person it is a part of. What does your heart and mind order your tongue to say? Do they hold the sweet, gentle kindness of our Lord or do they allow our tongue to speak harmful bitterness to those we encounter? The old adage “Think before you speak” comes to mind as I read the devotion today. Every person we encounter we have a choice of how we react to them, do we present hate or do we present God’s great love.
michael f vinning
on 09/29/2023 at 12:52 PM
Ooh wee it is the most difficult muscle to control. Often I know I shouldn’t say something but do anyway or I know I should say something but I don’t. Please father rid me of this selfishness and use my words to do your will! In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen!
Joshua
on 09/29/2023 at 12:28 PM
The GO DEEPER verse hit good! Go have a good brothers and speak positively, kindly, and lovely. Build others up with your words! Amen
randy swopes
on 09/29/2023 at 11:52 AM
Amen brothers, speak life and do it in love!!
Barry LaForce
on 09/29/2023 at 11:14 AM
Greetings in Christ Jesus my brothers. It is so true how such a small muscle can do so many different results. Without getting into my childhood, I have the habit of lying about a lot of things so I make myself look better. Heavenly Father please help myself to bring that member under control in Jesus name I ask. God keep each of you in his hands today. Stay strong. Amen.
272/365: A Voice of Hope
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
~ Proverbs 16:24
Something profound happens when our views, opinions, and words turn from critical to affirming. Our daily life begins to shift from pessimism to optimism. Bad days turn into good days and people who avoided 
us begin to inch closer to us.
As followers of Christ, we not only have the responsibility to be gracious - we have the responsibility of teaching others "grace".
GO DEEPER: James 3: 1-12
Next Step: If you are looking for contentment, joy, and fullness of life... look no further than the words resting behind your lips. Speak life - win life.